Structural elements



April 26, 1960 F. F. LARsEN 2,934,179

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS Filed Jan. 23, 1953 STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS Franklin Il'. Larsen, Reseda, Calif.

Application January 23, 1953, Serial No. 332,895

Claims. (Cl. 189-34) The present invention relates to structural elements in general and particularly to structural elements used in the fabrication of buildings. More specifically the invention comprises a structural assembly adapted for use as a girder or as a stud in the fabrication of buildings including but not limited to residences.

The availability of preshaped structural elements of metal for use in building constructions and particularly residences has made possible tremendous savings in assembly time in addition to providing more rigid and durable structures. The present invention makes use of elements which are preformed and which in large part are simple in that they may be mass produced in large quantities economically by rolling or stamping. Delivered to the job, these structural elements are brought together in cooperative relationship, according to the present invention, to form a studlor girder combination useful in the supporting of walls, panels and other elements. Theymay be used with Walls or panels of different thicknesses and their presence is substantially concealed by the use of appearance covers which serve not only to enclose the insulation, which enables them effectively to function as a continuation of the Wall or panel which they support, but additionally to provide wiring chases useful in the placing of electrical conduits and which are particularly desirable because of the ease with which entrance may be gained to the wiring.

The combination construction comprising the present invention may serve either as a girder or as a stud, depending upon its arrangement and while its use is not so limited the construction is particularly effective when used simultaneously with the sill combination disclosed and claimed in applicants copending application SerialV No. 332,896, filed January 23, 1953 and now Patent No. 2,730,209.

1t is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved assembled structural element adapted to function either as a girder combination or as a stud combination.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a stud or girder combination useful in the supporting of walls of various thicknesses and incorporating within its own construction a wiring chase.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a stud or girder combination useful in the supporting of walls of various thicknesses and incorporating within itself an insulation unit enabling it to provide a continuation of the insulating properties of the mounted wall.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a combination structural element adapted along its opposite edges to position walls or panels and carrying upon its opposite sides appearance covers which form respectively insulated bases and a wiring chase.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved combination structural element suitable for positioning at the conjunction of two adjacent walls lying in angularly related planes.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a 2,934,179 Patented Apr. 26, 1960 corner stud or girder combination incorporating wallclamping elements, an insulation enclosure, and a removable inner closure channel.

These and other more specific objects will appear uponA reading the following specification and claims and upon considering in connection therewith the attached drawing to which they relate.

Referring now to the drawing in which preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed:

Figure 1 is a transverse section through the combination building element constructed in accordance with the present invention showing the unit functioning as a girder in the connection of a wall to a horizontal joist;

Figure 2 is a partial section looking in the direction of the arrows upon the broken line 2 2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a horizontal section through a modified form of the combination structural unit in which the unit has been folded upon itself as to function at the corner of a building; and

Figure 4 is a view in perspective illustrating the mounting of the cover channel relative to the girder or stud proper.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawing in particular, the first preferred embodiment is illustrated and is seen to include a central support element indicated generally by the reference character 1t) and which, it is to be understood, may be either a girder or a stud. Viewed in transverse section element 10 is seen to include an elongated central run 11 from the opposite ends of which extend at right angles relatively short runs 12 connected to runs 13 parallel to central run 11. Runs 13 in turn connect to runs 14 parallel to runs 12 and of about the same extension and which themselves terminate in eX- ternal runs 16. Runs 13 may be identified as connection runs, runs 14 as abutment runs, and external runs 16 as clamping runs.

Adjacent one edgeof central support element 10 is a wall or panel, indicated generally by the reference character 5, seen to be positioned adjacent abutment run 14 and in contact with clamping run 16 along its side. Along the other edge of central support element 10 is a U-shaped channel member 17 which may perform any desiredjfunction in the building of which it is a part but which is of a type adapted to function as a joist bearing runner. Element 17 is connected to central support element 10 as will be described and is seen to be in contact 'with abutment run 14 and also clamping run 16 of element 10.

Secured to the connection runs 13 of the central support element 10 by means of screw headed bolts 21 are a pair of clamping elements indicated generally by the reference character 20 each including a central or abutment run 22, an inner or connection run 23 and which is apertured and through which the threaded shank of bolt 21 extends, and an outer or clamping run 24. A boltseating spacer nut element 26 is carried by the inner run 23 of clamping member 20 and, with its flexible prongs 27, forms a retaining seat for the threaded shank of bolt 21. Spacer nut element 26 may be viewed as part of clamping member 20 and is retained inv place relative to the connection run 23 of that member by its own clamping action and by the extension of the threaded screw shank through the aligned apertures in both the run and the nut member. Each nut is seen to include integral flanges or walls 25 extended in planes parallel to each other and to the axis of bolt 21. It is these flanges which give to the nut its spacing function and their Width determines the spacing of elements 10 and 20 and enables the unit to accommodate walls 5 of varying thicknesses.

Referring now to the relationship of wall 5 to the unit it is seen that clamping runs 16 and 24 of the central support element 10 and the clamping element 20 abut the adjacent sides of the Wall and secure it in alignment with the central run 10 of the support element. The abutment runs 14 and 22 of the central support element 10 and the clamping element 2i), respectively, limit the displacement of the Wall toward the construction element and can, if desired, be in contact with it. g

At the opposite edge of the unit from that in which the wall is seated, a U-shaped element 17 is located which, as previously stated, may be a bearing runner for a joist in the building. Member 17 rests upon the abutment runs 14 and 22 of central support element 1i? and clamping element 20, respectively, and is secured in place with one side abutting the clamping run 16 of member 10 by a T-shaped tie down clip 33 the leg of which extends downwardly through a slot 34 in the center wall of element 17 to seat the threaded shank of bolt 211 between the spacer nut 26 and the abutment run 13 of element 19. As is clear from a comparison of nuts 26 at the opposite sides of support element the upper nut is of somewhat less thickness by virtue of the presence of the clip 33. The contact of clamping run 16 of element 10 with the side of U-sectioned element 17 prevents lateral displacement in one direction, a restraining force which is Vsupplemented by the extension of the clip 33 through the slot 34 in element 17 and its engagement by screw 21. Displacement toward wall 5 is prevented by contact with the abutment runs 14 and '22 while displacement in the opposite direction is prevented by the extension of the threaded bolt shank through the leg of the clip.

To provide a substantially planar extension of the surface of the wall 5 and also to cover the structural details of the assembly there is provided a channel-shaped cover element 36 including an elongated central run 37 and perpendicularly extending side runs 33 which abut the abutment runs 22 of clamping elements 26. Member 36 fits snugly between the elements 20, is frictionally retained in place, and cooperates with the opposing support element 10 to provide a chamber in which, in a preferred form, is positioned a body 39 of suitable insulating material. The side closed by cover 36 under normal circumstances would be the exterior side or face of the construction.

The side opposite cover 36 is closed by a duplicate cover 36 but in this case the end runs 38 abut the abutment runs 14 of the support element 10. The space between the second cover and the support element is, 'oy virtue of the configuration of element 10, larger than the space filled by insulation 39 and forms a passage which is useful as a wiring chase. This second cover 36, as in the case of the first cover, is readily removable so that ready access may be had to electrical elements positioned inthe passage. v

The assembly and disassembly of the structural unit constructed in accordance with the present invention is believed to be clear. The main supporting element 10, which may be a girder or a stud, is positioned and the wall or panel 5 to be supported is brought in juxtaposition relative thereto. The cover elements 36 are at this time removed leaving element 10 exposed` upon both of its sides. The clamping element 20 to retain the wall in place is next positioned with its spacer nut 26 in place. Bolt 21 is then positioned and tightened whereupon element 26 is drawn toward support element 10 and its clamping run 24 moves toward the wall which is then clamped between clamping runs 16 of the support element and 24 of the clamping element. Were walls 5 to be positioned upon both sides of the supporting element 11i the operation would be duplicated at both sides but where a structural element such as a runner 17 is positioned upon the opposite side assembly is somewhat different.

In connecting the central support element 10 to the `structural element 1'7 lthe latter is first brought into abutting contact with the runs 14 land 16 of element 111 in the manner illustrated in Figure 1 and thereafter the T-shaped 4 tie down clip 33 inserted through the slot 34 in the base of element 17. Clamping element 20 and nut 26 are next positioned and bolt 21 inserted therethrough and tightened to draw the assembly together into the relationship illustrated at the top of Figure 1.

The construction is then ready to receive the exterior cover 36 in which the insulation body 39 may be positioned prior to placement if preferred. Exterior cover 36 is merely forced into place between the clamping elements 2) and is frictionally retained in place, the body 39 of insulation forming an extension of the insulating characteristics of the wall 5.

Upon the opposite side of theV supporting element 10 from the insulation 39 any wiring to be positioned is first put in place before the cover 36 is seated. When this is to be done the positioning is exactly similar to the positioning of exterior cover 36.

A second preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 which is basically similar to the rst embodiment but differs therefrom in that the design is intended for positioning at the corner of two angularly related walls or panels which are indicated generally by the reference character 5. The construction again includes the central supporting element, here indicated generally by the reference character 110, and cornprising the counterpart of central support element 1G of the first embodiment but differing therefrom primarily in that central runs 111e and 111b are separated by a right angle bend or corner 11N) which is not present in the first embodiment in which the central run comprises a single flat run 11. Clamping runs 116, abutment runs 114, attachment runs 113, and runs 112 correspond in each instance to their counterparts 16, 14, 13, and 12 in the first embodiment and perform duplicate functions. Clamping elements 12) are identical to the elements 20 of the first embodiment and include runs 122, 123, and 124 which correspond to runs 22, 23, and 24 of clamping element 20.

As in the first embodiment each clamping element includes a spacer nut element, here indicated by the reference character 126, and which includes integral spacer walls and threadforming prongs 127. The connection run 113 of element 110 is again secured to the clamping element 12) by means of a bolt, indicated by the reference character 121, the threaded shank of which extends through aligned apertures in the runs 113, 123 of the support element 116 and the clamping element 120, respectively, the runs 113, 123 being spaced by the walls 125 of nut 126 identical to the nut 26 of the first embodiment.

In this form of the invention the exterior surface is provided by a removable cover indicated generally by the reference character 136 and including two main runs 137 which extend at right angles to each other and are parallel to the central runs 111a and 11111 of support element 110. At the ends of central runs 137 of the cover 136 are inturned end runs 138 which contact the central or abutment runs 122 of the clamping elements 120. In the first embodiment, the cover 36 was retained frictionally in place but because of the angular arrangement of the abutment runs 122 in the present construction, it is desirable to provide positive retaining means for the cover 136 which means are provided in the form of self-seating screws 140. The latter extend in each instance between the connection runs 113, 123 of the support element 110 and the clamping element 120, respectively, passing through suitable aligned apertures in each and through an angularly extending inturned run 141 formed on the inner end of end runs 138 of cover 136. Screws 140 are spaced longitudinally of element 110 as to be positioned between the securing bolts 121.

Again, and similarly to the first embodiment, the space between the removable cover and the central support element forms `a chamber suitable for the positioning of a body of insulation here indicated by the reference character 139.

The interior angle of the assembly is closed by a removable channel-shaped cover which finds no counterpart in the lirst embodiment and which is indicated generally by the reference character 150. Cover 15d includes two central runs which are extended at right angles to cach other as to form continuations ofthe planes ofthe clamping runs 116 of the support element 110 and which central runs are indicated by the reference character 151. From the outer sides of runs 151 extend end runs which carry, at spaced points, U-shaped brackets 153 suitably secured in place as by welding and which provide mounting means as will be described.

Positioned within the main support element 119 and secured in position as by marginal welding are spacer clips indicated generally by the reference character reti and comprising in each instance a plate-like body 161 which at its margins abuts the runs 111a, 111b, 112 and 113 of central support element 110. Body 161 includes a depending extension 162 adapted to lie alongside the inner abutting surface of a cooperating bracket 153 carried by the cover channel 150. Spacer clip 160 also includes a tension clip 163 formed of spring-like material and secured in place by a threaded bolt 164 and the outer extremity of which extends downwardly and along the depending leg 162 as to be adapted to hold resiliently thereagainst the abutting side of the cover bracket 153. The spacer clips 160 may be spaced at intervals along element 110 which may, if desired, be sixteen inches more or less and, of course, the cooperating brackets 153 on the cover channel 150 are similarly spaced. Positioning is accomplished by placing the cover channel in approximately its intended position and then displacing it relative to the spacer clips 160 as to enable the tension clips 163 to engage the brackets 153 in the relationship illustrated.

The method of assembling this second embodiment of the invention is believed to be clear from its construction. As in the rst embodiment, the central element 110 is rst positioned as to function as either a stud or a girder and the cooperating walls are brought into juxtaposition with relationship thereto. The clamping elements 120 are next positioned and secured by the adjustment of the clamping bolts 121 as in the rst embodiment. sulation body 139 positioned therein and the cover secured in place by the tightening of securing screws 140 from the interior of the angle between walls 5, an operation made possible by the fact that the cover channel 150 has not as yet been positioned. Cover channel 150 is then positioned as previously described and the assembly is completed.

It is to be understood that the exact dimensions of the various parts in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, are not of the essence. Variations in sizes and angles can be accomplished within the scope of the invention.

While the particular apparatus herein shown and de scribed in detail is fully capable of attaining the objects and providing the advantages hereinbefore stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as dened in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An assembled structural supporting unit of the type suitable for use as a girder and as a stud; a rigid support element proper comprising an elongated member having in transverse section a central run at the opposite ends Cover plate 136 is then located with the inn of which extend, in the order recited and each at right angles to an adjacent run to which it connects, an inner run, a connection run, an abutment run, and a clamping run; a clamping element including in transverse section a connection run, an abutment run, and a clamping run, said runs of said clamping element extending parallel in each instance to the corresponding run of said support element; a manually adjustable headed screw extended between the connection runs of said clamping element and of said support element and threadedly seated at one of runs to draw said connection runs together; an elongated structural element resting against the abutment runs of said support element and said clamping element and formed with an aperture opposite said screw; and a tie down clip overlying a portion of said elongated structural element and extended through said aperture therein and seating said screw to prevent displacement of said structural element.

2. An assembled structural supporting unit of the type suitable for use as a girder and as a stud; a rigid support element proper comprising an elongated member having in transverse section a central run at the opposite ends of which extend, in the order recited and each at right angles to an adjacent run to which it connects, an inner run, a connection run, an abutment run, and a clamping run; a clamping element including, in transverse section, a connection run, an abutment run, and a clamping run, said runs of said clamping element extending parallel in each instance to the corresponding run of said support element; a manually adjustable headed screw extended between the connection runs of said clamping element and of said support element and threadedly seated at one of said runs to draw said connection runs together; an elongated structural element resting against the abutment runs of said support element and said clamping element land formed with an aperture opposite said screw; and a T-shaped tie down clip including a head overlying said elongated structural element and a leg extended through the aperture therein and itself apertured and enclosing said screw to prevent displacement of said structural element.

3. An interior wall structure support comprising a lirst elongated rigid member of channel shape in cross-section, a second elongated rigid load bearing member of channel shape in cross-section and an outturned lip on the outer edge of one of its side flanges, the web of said irst member having a slot to receive the stem of a T-shaped connector, a T-shaped connector inserted through said slot with the stem thereof lying beside the web portion of said second channel member, and means detachably securing the same to said second channel member with the outturned lip thereof lying beside a side ange of said first member.

4. A wall structure as defined in claim 3 characterized in the provision of elongated clip means cooperable with a second outturned lip of said second member to embrace the lateral edge of a wall panel, and fastener means holding said clip means detachably assembled to the web of said second channel member.

5. A wall structure as defined in claim 4 characterized in the provision of a channel shaped closure strip frictionally held assembled between the opposite side anges of said second channel member with its exterior web portion lying substantially flush with said outturned lips.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,439,499 Arbaugh et al Dec. 19, 1922 1,863,721 Levene June 2l, 1932 2,363,164 Waller Nov. 21, 1944 2,585,082 Bollinger Feb. 12, 1952 

